A Letter From Our School Counselor

Dear Parents,

Thankfully, we have seen a renewed focus on mental health issues. As this focus grows, mainstream media increasingly includes portrayals of depression, suicide and other mental health issues, and it is vital that we as a community are discussing these topics with our students.

A Netflix production called “13 Reasons Why” has attracted a lot of attention. In this fictional series, a 17-year-old high school student, Hannah, takes her own life and leaves behind 13 audio recordings for 13 people she says are to blame for her death. The character faces several traumatic events that she links to her suicide. While the series does show the devastating effects of bullying, sexual assault, and friendship issues along with several other painful events, it is not made apparently obvious that Hannah’s mental health issues were linked to her decision to end her life.

It is important to note that the majority of individuals who experience events portrayed in this series seek professional help, cope with these events in a healthy and effective manor, and therefore are able to overcome these traumatic events. They go on to live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversities and should be viewed as a preventable tragedy and not as heroic or romantic. If an individual is having feelings of hopelessness and suicide it is important that they reach out to a trusted adult.

In “13 Reasons Why,” Hannah does exactly this and the school counselor unfortunately responds in an inappropriate or unprofessional way. The series depicts treatment as being ineffective. This could not be further from the truth. Treatment is effective. This is where discussion with our students is crucial. We must assure them that there are trusted adults they can go to, and it is vital that they trust that the adult will then seek help for them. It is important that if you as a trusted adult fear that an individual may be suicidal that you speak to them about it. Often times people are fearful that talking about suicide will “plant” the idea in someone’s mind. There is absolutely no evidence to support this idea. It is vital that this discussion continues and we continue to provide resources and support to those who need it.